Beverage preparation machine with enhanced pump control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage preparation machines require complex and costly pressure sensors to achieve precise control over extraction parameters, which is cumbersome and inaccurate for complex parameter profiles and various beverages.
Innovation Solution
A beverage preparation system using a pressure adjustable pump, sensors to measure pump and liquid flow parameters, and pre-established pressure interpolation data to determine extraction pressure without a physical pressure sensor, allowing for accurate control of extraction pressure across different cartridges with varying flow characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex sensor means including expensive pressure sensors are provided in the fluid circuit, then precise control of extraction parameters is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual model that copies the behavior of the physical fluid circuit, using pump parameters and flow rate measurements to simulate and determine extraction pressure without requiring a physical pressure sensor. This virtual copy enables precise measurement while reducing hardware complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical pressure sensor with a computational approach, substituting the physical measurement device with an electronic calculation system that derives pressure information from other measurable parameters (pump current, voltage, rotational speed, and flow rate).
2Device complexity
If calculation methods based solely on pump parameters are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple measurement parameters (pump current, voltage, rotational speed, and flow rate) into a unified pressure calculation model. By combining these parameters rather than relying on a single pump parameter, the system achieves accurate pressure determination without needing additional sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit serves multiple functions: it controls pump operation, measures flow rate, calculates extraction pressure, and adjusts parameters in real-time. This multi-functional approach replaces dedicated pressure sensing while maintaining measurement precision through comprehensive parameter monitoring.
3Device complexity
If virtual models with single parameter calculation are used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to complex parameter profiles and various beverages deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic control system that continuously adjusts pump parameters (current, voltage, rotational speed) and monitors flow rate in real-time during the beverage preparation process. This dynamic adaptation enables the system to handle complex parameter profiles and various beverage types while maintaining a relatively simple device architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
A beverage preparation system controls a beverage preparation process by injection of liquid into a cartridge. The system includes a pressure adjustable pump for delivering different pressures upon varying at least one of its drive characteristics such as the speed of the pump, a sensor for measuring an operating parameter of the pump such as a current absorbed by the pump, a now sensor for measuring a liquid flow parameter of liquid injected into the cartridge, and a control unit designed to control an extraction pressure of the cartridge by adjusting the drive characteristics of the pump based on pre-established pressure interpolation data depending on the measured liquid now parameter and the measured operating parameter of the pump.